UNESCO Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNESCO has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, youth engagement, international relations, and management.

Driven by a commitment to global collaboration, UNESCO champions education, science, culture, and communication to foster peace and sustainable development worldwide.

Leadership Roles at UNESCO

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vimla Devi
  • President Club Des Jeunes - Desir Lamarre
  • President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO - Aelita Kondratova
  • President - Syafiq Sahari
  • President, The Communication Management Club - GholamReza Kazemidinan
  • Chief Information Officer - Taha Moustafa
  • Vimla Devi - Chief Executive Officer

    Vimla Devi, the Chief Executive Officer at UNESCO, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. Overseeing all major initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with UNESCO's mission of fostering peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. This leadership role involves coordinating global efforts and driving the organization's impact across diverse sectors. By setting strategic priorities, Vimla Devi guides the institution's response to pressing global challenges, ensuring effective resource allocation and program delivery. Ultimately, Devi strengthens UNESCO's position as a vital international body for cooperation and progress.

    Desir Lamarre - President Club Des Jeunes

    Desir Lamarre, the President Club Des Jeunes at UNESCO, spearheads initiatives focused on youth engagement and development. Overseeing programs designed for young leaders, the President Club Des Jeunes fosters participation in global dialogue and action. This position involves cultivating platforms where youth can contribute to UNESCO's objectives in education, science, culture, and communication. By empowering young individuals, Desir Lamarre strengthens the organization's future-oriented perspective and its connection with emerging generations. Ultimately, Lamarre champions the voice and potential of youth in advancing international cooperation and understanding.

    Aelita Kondratova - President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO

    Aelita Kondratova, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO at UNESCO, leads regional engagement and program implementation within the Saint Petersburg area. Overseeing local chapter activities, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO ensures alignment with UNESCO's broader goals in education, science, culture, and communication. This role involves fostering partnerships and driving initiatives that reflect the organization's mission at a regional level. By connecting global objectives with local action, Aelita Kondratova enhances UNESCO's presence and impact in the region. Ultimately, Kondratova strengthens the organization's network and its ability to effect change through localized efforts.
    Aelita Kondratova

    Syafiq Sahari - President

    Syafiq Sahari, the President at UNESCO, drives strategic direction and operational oversight for key organizational functions. Overseeing critical departments, the President ensures the effective execution of UNESCO's mandate across education, science, culture, and communication. This leadership position involves fostering international collaboration and advancing the organization's mission to promote peace and sustainable development. By guiding strategic planning and resource management, Syafiq Sahari enhances UNESCO's global reach and impact. Ultimately, Sahari reinforces the organization's commitment to addressing complex global challenges through coordinated international action.

    GholamReza Kazemidinan - President, The Communication Management Club

    GholamReza Kazemidinan, the President, The Communication Management Club at UNESCO, directs strategies for effective communication and stakeholder engagement. Overseeing the club's operations, the President, The Communication Management Club ensures clear dissemination of UNESCO's mission and achievements in education, science, culture, and communication. This role involves developing and implementing communication plans that resonate with diverse audiences globally. By enhancing organizational messaging, GholamReza Kazemidinan strengthens UNESCO's public profile and its ability to foster international understanding. Ultimately, Kazemidinan advances the organization's objectives through impactful communication strategies.

    Taha Moustafa - Chief Information Officer

    Taha Moustafa, the Chief Information Officer at UNESCO, architects the organization's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust data management and secure digital platforms that support UNESCO's global operations. This critical role involves implementing innovative IT solutions to enhance efficiency and accessibility across education, science, culture, and communication initiatives. By driving digital transformation, Taha Moustafa enables seamless data exchange and collaboration among member states and stakeholders. Ultimately, Moustafa safeguards the integrity of information systems vital for UNESCO's mission.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNESCO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNESCO?
    UNESCO is led by Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Desir Lamarre (President Club Des Jeunes) and Aelita Kondratova (President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO).
    Who is part of UNESCO’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNESCO includes leaders such as Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), Desir Lamarre (President Club Des Jeunes), Aelita Kondratova (President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNESCO have?
    UNESCO has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNESCO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNESCO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President Club Des Jeunes, President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO, President, President, The Communication Management Club.